Automakers worldwide are showing continuous improvement in terms of long-term dependability and quality of their vehicles, according to results of the 2010 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), recently released by J.D. Power and Associates.

The results of the study are good news for consumers and manufacturers. Consumers are likely to incur lower maintenance and repair costs, and less inconvenience. Manufacturers will benefit from lower warranty expenses.

Overall vehicle dependability has improved by 7 percent in 2010 to an average of 155 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), compared with 167 PP100 in the 2009 study. In addition to the improvement in overall dependability, the rate of component replacement has also been reduced from the 2009 results. About 65 percent of owners indicate they replaced a vehicle component in this year’s study, compared with 68 percent in 2009.

Some of the car brands, however, are not receiving the credit they deserve in terms of performance. Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, and Mercury, are among the brands which, although performing well, are the most avoided due to concerns about dependability.

 …